“Miss Lillian”: A One-Act Play about Lillian Carter
Celebrating National Friends of Libraries Week
Tuesday, October 17, 2023
2:00-3:00 p.m.
Smyrna Community Center, 200 Village Green Circle
Magnolia Room
Free of charge
Sponsored by Smyrna Public Library and the Friends of Smyrna Library
This one-act, one-woman play, written by Carol Cook Puckett and performed by Elaine Hubbard, visits with Lillian Carter in 1978, when her son Jimmy was President of the United States. It takes place at her home in Plains, Georgia, just before a New York Times reporter comes to interview her as the recipient of the prestigious United Nations Ceres Medal. While waiting, Lillian reflects on her life and experiences rearing her four children. At times humorous, and at times poignant, “Miss Lillian” is a keen look at the life of a remarkable woman.
Lillian Carter was much more than President Jimmy Carter’s mother. She was a social activist, great humanitarian, nurse, peanut farmer, and nurturer. She celebrated her 70th birthday in India while serving in the Peace Corps. This play introduces us to this woman who refused to bow to the attitudes of her Southern surroundings, a freethinker who nurtured the best human qualities in all with whom she interacted. Her life is inspiring, funny, ever-changing, and sometimes tragic. No one who met her ever forgot her. Once you see her story come to life, you won’t either.
Carol Cook Puckett writes about historical events in the 20th century American South, and she has directed community theatre for over thirty years. She served on the boards of environmental groups in Tennessee and Alabama, the Southern Literary Trail, Scottsboro Boys Museum and community theatre boards in Decatur, Alabama.
Elaine Hubbard has performed, directed, designed, and choreographed award-winning shows for Alabama theatre companies, including Fantasy Playhouse, Huntsville Community Chorus Association, The Whole Backstage, Bank Street Players, Independent Musical Productions and Theatre Huntsville. She holds a BS degree in Theatre Arts and is a recipient of the prestigious Virginia Hammill Simms award for outstanding contribution to the arts in Huntsville.
